HEAP OF ASHES.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1921, Page 5

HEAP OF ASHES.

FUTURE BEFORE IRELAND, DR. CLUNE’S IMPRESSIONS. , WHY NEGOTIATIONS FAILED, u. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 11, p.m. Paris, Jan. 10. The newspaper Liberte interviewed Archbishop Clune, who said he “believed Mr. Lloyd George’s < attitude towards Ireland was sincere and that he really desired peace. Unfortunately several members of Cabinet and members of Parliament, including Mr. Bonar Law, were not of the same opinion, saying that the British people would not be satisfied with any truce negotiated before the Irish laid down their arms. General Sir Nevil Macready also favored continuing the struggle. “Mr. Lloyd George then changed his tone, and intimated to me that no truce could be considered while the Irish re'mained in arms,” added Archbishop Clune. “The Sinn Fein leaders refused to disarm until they were granted some concession, and therefore they refused the offer. For that reason mv mission failed.”

Archbishop Clufce expressed admiration for the Sinn Feiners, and said that when Mr. Lloyd George described them as murderers he replied, “No, not murderers, but the cream of their race.” Archbishop Clune said British soldiers and the “black and tans” (auxiliary forces) were absolutely inhuman, and soldiers and officers shoot and pillage as they please. “If the struggle is continued,” he added, “Ireland will only be a heap of ashes. The battlefields of Belgium and the Somme are not worse than some Harts of Ireland.” Archbishop Clune considers himself an impartial witness, and he said he hoped to convey the same information to the Pope.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

THREE ATTACKS FAIL. SHOTS AT MILITARY CAR. Received Jan. 11, 7.40 p.m. London, Jan. 10. Eight men waylaid a military touring car in Dublin containing two officers and the wife of one of the officers. A number of shots failed to stop the car. Other assailants further on opened fire, and one jumped on the footboard and fired twice at the lady. The shots penetrated her dress, but she was not hurt. One officer was slightly wounded. A third attempt to stop the car by blocking the road failed. —A.u« and N.Z. Cable Assn. MILITARY USE TANKS. London. Jan. 10. Guerrilla warfare in Ireland was renewed during the week-end, particularly in Cork and Waterford. Following on an ambush near Cork, tanks were used for military reprisals.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.